iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF vs Unilever plc — how do they compare? iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF trades at $80.84, while Unilever plc trades at $61.78 (market cap $134.06B). The key difference: Unilever plc pays a 3.65% dividend while iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF pays none, and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF is trading nearer its 52-week high, Unilever plc nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| IEMG | UL | |
|---|---|---|
Sector | Broad Market / Factor | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $86.00 | $74.59 |
52-Week Low | $61.76 | $55.05 |
Market Cap | — | $134.06B |
Enterprise Value | — | $159.86B |
Dividend Yield | — | 3.65% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
IEMG trades at $81.10, up 1.93% with a bullish technical signal from moving averages. The ETF shows strong momentum with 35% trailing returns but faces elevated volatility. Recent news highlights IEMG's 40% technology weighting and AI exposure in emerging markets, though some analysts caution about concentration risks after significant gains.
The outlook remains positive given attractive emerging market valuations and AI-driven growth potential, but investors should monitor volatility and geopolitical risks. The ETF's low 0.09% expense ratio and diversification across 2,700 stocks provide cost-effective exposure to developing economies with superior dividend growth prospects.
Unilever (UL) trades at $61.75, down 1.77% on the day, with a bearish technical signal. The stock shows strong profitability with a net income margin of 18.75% and ROE of 53.32%, but recent quarters have seen EPS misses against expectations. A major development is the planned $65 billion merger with McCormick's food business, expected to close in 2027, which could reshape growth prospects.
Outlook is mixed: robust cash flow and dividend yield near 1.75% support income investors, but execution risks on the McCormick deal and volatile earnings pose challenges. Analysts are divided, with 51% hold ratings, reflecting uncertainty amid strategic shifts. The stock appeals for its defensive staples exposure but requires monitoring of integration progress.
Trailing returns across standard periods
IEMG tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index, providing broad exposure to large, mid, and small-cap stocks across over 20 emerging market countries. It is designed as a low-cost core holding for investors seeking diversified growth from economies outside of developed markets.
Read more on IEMG →Unilever is a diversified personal product (42% of 2021 sales by value), home care (20%), and packaged food (38%) company. Its brands include Knorr soups and sauces, Hellmann's mayonnaise, Lipton teas, Axe and Dove skin products, and the TRESemme haircare brand. The firm has been acquisitive in recent years
Read more on UL →